“What gender are you really?”
Lu Yun tilted his head playfully. “Why do you think I refused to be searched that day? Perhaps you’d like me to undress to verify?”
The governor’s face immediately darkened.
The snow had stopped, but the wind still carried snow particles that struck their faces. Dense fog permeated everything, painting the world white. The soldiers around Lu Yun were just as lost in the mountain fog as he was, looking around in confusion. They watched as the barely conscious governor, whom they had been holding hostage along the way, suddenly became enraged and threw a punch at Lu Yun’s face. Lu Yun instinctively dodged, looking up in surprise. The governor grabbed Lu Yun’s collar, demanding answers.
Lu Yun seemed somewhat dazed.
The nearby soldiers tensed, about to step forward, but froze again — the governor was clutching Lu Yun’s clothes, his fingers white-knuckled, eyes bloodshot and filled with rage. Despite the harsh journey through wind and frost leaving him exhausted, the governor was now consumed by fury: “So you really are Chen Xue? You’ve been crossdressing as a man? You… you… how incredibly sinister!”
The soldiers: …Oh, crossdressing.
That hardly seemed sinister though?
Lu Yun’s eyebrow twitched slightly, black eyes gleaming beneath. Even this subtle change in expression caused the governor pain: it really was Xue! His Xue had such beautiful eyes, alluring peach blossom eyes with upturned corners, yet devoid of true feeling. Xue seemed deeply passionate yet also cold and distant… Lu Yun’s eyes sparkled brilliantly, causing the governor great distress just looking at them.
At the same time, Lu Yun was an extremely observant person.
Frost had frozen on his eyelashes as he gave the impotent governor an odd look. “…You actually have feelings for me? Could it be love at first sight?”
The soldiers maintained straight faces.
The governor’s forehead veins bulged as he exploded in rage, throwing another punch: “I fell for Chen Xue! Chen Xue! Not you… just who are you really?!”
The soldiers: …Poor lord, deceived in matters of the heart, not even knowing who the person really was.
In this era, social customs were open-minded, and the practice of keeping male companions was quite common among noble families, though it wasn’t openly discussed. While the Luoyang governor was lustful, he preferred women, not men. Chen Xue was a rare beauty, aloof and mysterious, with a strong spirit. Among women who were typically petite, Chen Xue stood tall with a commanding presence and striking beauty – the governor had never seen another like her. When she stood in her carriage, her robes dancing in the wind, her serene profile as she gazed into the distance, that intimidating aura like drawing a bow to shoot – it captivated the governor’s heart.
She rarely smiled or spoke, her eyes misty with untold thoughts. Like the wind, she was impossible to grasp or understand.
Due to childhood misfortune, she often carried a deep melancholy, and her every frown made the governor wish to cheer her up and see her smile.
The beauty of Luoyang, with skin like jade and beauty that could topple cities, deserved to be immortalized in portraits and praised by all.
The governor had fallen deeply in love at first sight, unable to forget her… Never imagining that such a beauty was not a “she” but a “he.”
Lu Yun glanced at him, eyes filled with amusement but largely indifferent. As someone used to being pursued, previously by women and now by a man, his arrogant attitude remained unchanged. It was precisely this casual dismissal that enraged the governor further. He wanted his Chen Xue back, but before him stood only Lu Yun – no Chen Xue.
Chen Xue was fake, fabricated, never existed from the start.
Yet the governor had fallen in love with someone who didn’t exist.
The governor let out a great roar and charged at Lu Yun, fighting with all his might. His hatred was boundless. Now sober, his strength and spirit had returned. Though Lu Yun was indeed as elegant as an immortal, the more striking his appearance, the more the governor despised him. Lu Yun frowned, finding this person troublesome. He had originally planned to keep him as a hostage, but the man kept pursuing him… When the governor started fighting, the Southern soldiers all felt embarrassed, but Lu Yun fought back without any psychological burden.
Lu Yun had always been cold-hearted, never showing mercy to anyone.
Luo Lingyu, with her countless charms and unmatched allure, was the only one who had ever broken through his defenses.
Clearly this rough, burly man – the Luoyang governor – was even less likely to make Lu Yun show mercy while fighting.
Lu Yun still had the presence of mind to notice his companions standing around stupidly: “Why just watch? Can’t you tell friend from foe?”
The soldiers were speechless: …Lu Yun was encouraging them to gang up on the poor governor who had feelings for him! What a villain, deceiving someone’s heart and now wanting to take their life too.
Though the governor appeared extremely agitated, his eyes held a sharp coldness. Now sober, his fighting style was fierce and direct, aiming to draw blood with every strike. His momentum was strong, forcing Lu Yun, already weary from pursuit, to continuously retreat. When the soldiers all moved to surround him, the governor suddenly turned and fled.
Lu Yun’s face darkened: “After him—”
As they entered the fog, there was a “ding” sound. Lu Yun flipped backward, shouting a warning while pulling someone urgently back several steps. Dozens of arrows flew out of the fog, each aimed at Lu Yun’s group. The soldiers dodged clumsily, their spirits rising at Lu Yun’s warning: “Careful! Northern soldiers have caught up!”
Indeed, well-equipped Northern soldiers emerged from the heavy fog.
The governor stood before them, glaring hatefully at Lu Yun: “Did you think I had no precautions against you? My robes were treated with medicine – as long as I’m here, my Northern soldiers can pursue and kill. You Southern assassins… bring out Chen Xue… and the Medicine Master!”
Lu Yun remained expressionless.
The governor pointed at him: “If you don’t let Chen Xue appear and hand over the Master, today will be your death.”
He still couldn’t let go of Chen Xue, still hoping Lu Yun would transform into Chen Xue. He could pretend… but it would all be fake. Lu Yun remained coldly indifferent, showing no intention of mentioning “Chen Xue” or handing over the Master. As enemy forces attacked, he and his companions immediately engaged them. The Northern army had committed their elite forces to the pursuit – the importance of the Luoyang governor and the loss of the Medicine Master warranted their finest troops.
But Lu Yun’s group was exhausted from their long escape.
Gradually, Lu Yun’s group was surrounded, and in the fighting, the Southern soldiers suffered the most casualties. Lu Yun held his sword, his arm bearing a wound. The Luoyang governor, still not satisfied, grabbed a sword and attacked personally, viewing Lu Yun as a mortal enemy. At the same time, two enemy soldiers leaped high behind Lu Yun, raising their swords to strike together. Lu Yun staggered as he turned, lifting his arm with sword raised. Sparks flew, dancing in his black eyes.
The two soldiers coordinated perfectly, attacking Lu Yun from left and right with great force. Snow swirled as they forced Lu Yun back, his sword barely able to defend against both. The two called out sternly: “My lord!”
The governor immediately shouted: “Die!”
Lu Yun was locked in combat, unable to dodge. The governor’s sword thrust straight at his chest, aiming to take his life. The Southern soldiers, similarly caught in battle and unable to help, shouted: “Third Lord (Commander)—”
Lu Yun had no way to split his attention. Gritting his teeth, arm muscles tense, he was forced back by the soldiers, sweat beading on his forehead. He couldn’t dodge the governor’s attack – just as it seemed he would have to sacrifice his life, a blade flew out of the fog at an angle, clanging against the governor’s sword hand.
Footsteps approached through the fog, friend or foe unclear, putting both sides on edge. Until they saw Prince Liu Mu of Hengyang and his soldiers. The Southern soldiers rejoiced: “Reinforcements have arrived!”
Liu Mu and Lu Yun, who was being attacked by two soldiers, exchanged glances. A subtle understanding passed between their eyes. The young prince raised his hand, and with one gesture, he and his troops charged in without a word: “Kill!”
Liu Mu personally intervened, his strikes powerful and decisive, with overwhelming presence. The governor’s hand was knocked aside, causing his thrust to miss. Lu Yun killed the two enemy soldiers, receiving only a grazing wound to his waist. The situation was dire – the governor attacked again like a madman, but this time Liu Mu and his troops had joined the battle, relieving the pressure on Lu Yun’s group.
Hair falling against his cheek, sticking to the blood on his face, Lu Yun withdrew from the front line, catching his breath. Half his arm was numb from the recent fighting. He smirked, thinking the Northern soldiers were indeed formidable. Lu Yun shook his hand, seeing his palm was injured. Taking advantage of Liu Mu blocking a killing blow for him, Lu Yun tore off a strip of cloth to bind his wound. Then he raised his sword and rejoined the battle.
The enemy forces were numerous and all elite warriors. Even with Southern reinforcements, they showed no fear.
Liu Mu fell back beside Lu Yun, standing back-to-back as enemy soldiers formed a circle around them. The two young lords stood in a pose of absolute trust, watching in all directions, alert for enemy attacks as Lu Yun quickly asked: “Did you find the Master? Did you get them down the mountain?”
Liu Mu: “Already sent people to escort them… worry about yourself!”
Lu Yun smiled, watching the enemy troops circling them, his voice maintaining its uniquely languid tone: “Shall we continue killing?”
The young prince wiped blood from his face, giving a cold smile, his eyes as fierce as a wolf’s: “Kill!”
As the words fell, both men lunged outward, weapons flashing in semicircular arcs as they coordinated their attack against the enemy troops—
“Youthful warrior spirit, united with heroes of five cities. Hearts and guts exposed. Hair standing on end. In conversation. Life and death as one.” Young men who met in youth, later becoming strangers, yet still, they had met in youth. Those bright days of fine clothes and spirited horses, those days of living and studying together at the academy… A valve of memory opened, vivid recollections flooding back.
Liu Mu laughed loudly: “Lu Yun, let’s see who can kill more! Don’t tell me you only dare assassinate me but not face real enemy troops!”
Lu Yun raised an eyebrow, killing someone who grabbed him from behind with a reverse sword strike, then nimbly leaping to switch positions with Liu Mu. More blood spattered his jade-like face, and with narrowed eyes, he appeared bewitchingly fierce. He could hear Liu Mu’s voice but not see him. Fog rose around them, enveloping everyone. Lu Yun’s spirits were unusually roused as he drawled: “That could be worth comparing.”
Mountain fog rose, creeping up from the ground, growing ever thicker. Soon, people three steps away became invisible, and more bodies lay at their feet. But no one relaxed – amid the constant clashing sounds, only weapons could be seen crossing in the fog, sparks flying as the battle grew increasingly intense!
…
While the battle raged at Mount Funiu, the situation in the Southern Yang commanderies was equally urgent. The north was engulfed in war, some desperately trying to save people, others fighting to the death. Imperial troops and supplies marched north in great numbers, rushing at full speed to support the northern campaign.
When the Southern Emperor awoke half a day after the troops were mobilized, he finally learned what had happened and that Prince Chen had acted without imperial permission.
The Northern Princess and others present that night in the palace described what they had witnessed, with the Princess trying hard to place blame on Prince Chen. Any discord in the Southern court would benefit the North. But the Southern Emperor’s face remained expressionless, giving no indication whether he believed the Northern Princess’s words.
That night, after Prince Chen was summoned to the palace for questioning, Prince Zhao Liu Huai also entered.
Liu Huai had connections with the North and coveted the commandery they had promised him. Now seeing events slipping from his control, he harbored deep hatred for the meddlesome Prince Chen Liu Shu. In the hall, Prince Chen knelt in a side chamber awaiting the emperor’s summons to give a perfect explanation. Meanwhile, Prince Zhao Liu Huai leaned close to his father’s ear, glancing at his kneeling brother behind the pearl curtain as he whispered slander: “…Originally the North could have resolved this peacefully with us, but Fifth Brother ruined everything.”
“The Grand Marshal’s mansion was also burned. Who knows if that imperial edict was real or fake, whether Father Emperor wrote it himself while drunk, or if that person took advantage of Father Emperor’s drunkenness to act recklessly.”
“Father Emperor must not let him off. If he dares to do such things when Father Emperor is drunk, what if one day he bribes palace servants to enter Father Emperor’s bedchamber while you sleep? His wild ambitions must be punished – please, Father Emperor, do not let familial feelings stay your hand. Fifth Brother must be severely disciplined. Only then will he learn his lesson.”
His Majesty’s eyes flickered.
Just as he was about to speak, a palace servant announced from outside: “Your Majesty, Minister Lu requests an audience. Shall I show Minister Lu in?”
Minister Lu, that is Lu Mao, was the father of Lu Xian (Second Young Master Lu) and currently served as Left Minister.
His Majesty remained impassive: “What do you think brings Minister Lu here in the dead of night, my son?”
Prince Zhao: “The Lu family is arranging a marriage between Lu Xian and Fifth Brother’s blood sister, Princess Ningping Liu Tang. The two families are to be joined in marriage. Fifth Brother has also long been close friends with Lu Yun – this is no secret in Jianye. Now Lu Yun is in Nanyang, and Liu Shu forged an imperial edict precisely because of Lu Yun. The Lu family and Fifth Brother are inseparable – Minister Lu coming to the palace late at night must be to plead for Fifth Brother.”
His Majesty neither agreed nor disagreed.
Prince Zhao Liu Huai observed his father’s expression and continued: “The great families have become too powerful now, increasingly obstructing imperial edicts. Minister Lu coming at night is clearly using his influence to force Father Emperor to spare Fifth Brother. Your son fears that if the great families grow any stronger, our royal family…”
His Majesty said: “The great families’ roots run too deep.”
Liu Huai’s heart skipped a beat, sensitively guessing at the emperor’s subtle dissatisfaction. Indeed, even though Father Emperor rarely attended to state affairs and relied heavily on the great families, he was unwilling to see Minister Lu able to influence imperial orders today.
Prince Zhao spoke softly: “The great families are powerful, but the Lu family is just one of many in Jianye. There are many who resent the Lu family’s position.”
The emperor exchanged a brief glance with his son without further comment, then summoned Minister Lu into the hall. Prince Zhao quietly withdrew, hearing his father switch to a warm tone as he exchanged pleasantries with Minister Lu, saying things like “it’s not so serious” and “Prince Chen did nothing wrong” when discussing the prince… Liu Huai’s mouth twisted as palace servants led him out through the rear door.
He knew that with the Lu family’s intervention, Prince Chen Liu Shu would be safe.
But this thorn had been planted in His Majesty’s heart – excellent.
…
With his father entering the palace, the Lu family threw their full weight behind protecting Liu Shu from the consequences of the forged edict. The Lu family was arrogant, believing His Majesty would give face. Indeed, His Majesty did give face, comforting Prince Chen with kind words and even sending gifts to console his “frightened” son before sending Minister Lu and Prince Chen out of the palace together.
Lu Xian couldn’t sleep all night.
After receiving news of Prince Chen’s safety, he stayed up through the night at the Marshal’s mansion, waiting for news of the great battle in the north. He increasingly felt the timeline from his dreams approaching – it was an ineffable instinct. He wore a jade Buddha around his neck, praying daily for his third brother’s safety in the north, hoping everything could still be saved.
The sky slowly darkened completely, then gradually brightened again. Lu Xian fingered his jade Buddha, eyes closed as he muttered prayers, drawing strange looks from the officials coming and going.
A new day arrived, grey and overcast with strong winds. Lu Xian didn’t know that a thousand li away, the north was buried in snow, a world of ice and snow.
…
Luo Lingyu also felt uneasy.
Being in Nanyang, her sense was even clearer than Lu Xian’s. Even though Lord Zhou had arrived with troops and supplies, relieving pressure on the north, Luo Lingyu’s eyelid wouldn’t stop twitching as she helped in the military camp, making it impossible to calm her heart.
Knowing that the Prince of Hengyang had led troops into Mount Funiu, knowing that the battle situation in Nanyang was improving after Lord Zhou brought reinforcements, she still felt deeply troubled. All morning, with new medicinal herbs available, Luo Lingyu continued helping other ladies change dressings and treat wounds in the military camp. But she made many mistakes all morning, her technique growing clumsy.
At noon during the meal, Luo Lingyu asked around and learned that scholars had been gradually emerging from the mountain fog.
But the main army was still trapped in the mountains.
“The enemy has deployed their elite troops, their forces are strong, and we are outmatched. Thus the battle cannot end quickly, and victory remains uncertain.”
After hearing this, Luo Lingyu could wait no longer. Refusing to eat a single bite, she went to find Zhou Yangling, who was surrounded by generals, explaining the court situation despite his pale face. Luo Lingyu approached Zhou Yangling directly: “I need some men to go with me to the foot of Mount Taiwang.”
With the battle situation so dire and General Wei’s great battle still ongoing, Luo Lingyu knew she was in the wrong to come asking for troops. Those who cared for the realm should prioritize General Wei’s battle at this time, yet she cared more about Lu Yun’s situation.
Luo Lingyu made an excuse: “That Medicine Master hasn’t come down the mountain yet, that person is extremely capable…”
Zhou Yangling: “Alright.”
Luo Lingyu was surprised: “…”
She hadn’t expected Lord Zhou to be so agreeable, actually consenting without requiring her to cry, act coquettish, or throw a tantrum. Her watery eyes stared at him in shock as she bit her lip: “You’re not asking my reasons…”
Zhou Yangling: “Time is urgent, no need to ask why. Sister trusts me, and I trust sister.”
Luo Lingyu gathered her courage: “I’m being very selfish…”
Zhou Yangling disagreed: “How is saving people selfish? Saving lives knows no distinction – sister, you’re already the most capable lady I’ve ever met. You always say you’re not a good person, yet don’t realize how many good deeds you’ve done that benefit the nation. But what I love most about you is that you never just cry helplessly at crucial moments.”
She joked like this, pointedly looking at Luo Lingyu’s reddened eyes. Luo Lingyu’s nose had been stinging with emotion, but being teased like this made her suddenly break into a smile through her tears.
Zhou Yangling said softly: “That’s better. Sister looks so beautiful when she smiles… I love to see sister smile.”
She immediately assigned some of her own troops to follow Luo Lingyu on the rescue mission. She even urged Luo Lingyu not to waste time. Zhou Yangling raised her hand, brushing away dust from the lady’s shoulders. She reassured Luo Lingyu to stay calm no matter what happened. After a few comforting words, Zhou Yangling left to attend to other matters. Walking away in a daze, Luo Lingyu kept looking back, seeing Zhou Yangling’s gentle gaze following her. Her heart warmed, rippling softly: Lord Zhou was truly wonderful.
If she hadn’t fallen in love with Lu Yun… what a fine husband Lord Zhou would make.
…
Leaving the military camp, they rode horses toward Mount Funiu. The soldiers she brought went up the mountain to help search for and rescue the scholars and Medicine Master trapped in the mountain fog. The battle in the mountains had not yet ended, and Luo Lingyu dared not rashly ascend. As such a frail woman, if she went up just out of concern for Lu Yun, wouldn’t she just become his burden?
All the men she brought had gone up the mountain. A temporary tent was set up at the base, where her maid watched Luo Lingyu anxiously pace back and forth in the snow.
Though her eyes showed anxiety, she still maintained her composure.
But suddenly, she heard a thunderous rumble from above. Luo Lingyu’s heart suddenly contracted. She was stunned for a moment before looking up to see dense white fog enveloping the high mountain before her, rolling down like a waterfall surrounding the entire mountain. Her maid Lingyu stared in amazement: “It’s like a flash flood… my lady, is this fog?”
Luo Lingyu’s face turned pale as she trembled: “No, no, no… it’s an avalanche! An avalanche!”
She shook violently, all reason suddenly abandoned. She could think of nothing else as she ran toward the mountain peak, crying out: “Lu Yun—”
…
In the mountain battle, with Liu Mu’s forces joining, the situation favored the South.
Much was different from Lu Xian’s dream. Blood flowed like rivers on the ground, corpses covered by snow, sword arms too numb to lift… but the Northern army’s numbers were dwindling.
Lu Yun was wounded in the fighting, but not fatally. As time went on, an increasing sense of urgency welled up in his heart. He didn’t know what he was worried about, but instinctively felt that faster was better! The sooner this battle ended, the better. He thought this in his heart and ordered it with his mouth.
When Lu Yun killed another person, no enemies charged out of the fog within three steps. He stood calmly in the pool of blood, his arms aching, suddenly feeling the world grow extraordinarily quiet.
Only the wind could be heard passing his ears.
The wind whipped through his dust-covered robes.
Lu Yun stood in the snow, suddenly raising his head and turning his ear upward — his expression suddenly changed, and he immediately leaped several zhang outward, jumping toward the outer perimeter. His movements were swift, veins bulging on his forehead. Unable to see his companions in the fog, he could only shout a warning: “Run quickly! Avalanche—!”
…
Cold wind pursued them as snow and fog collapsed, cascading down from above like a flood, chasing the people in the mountain.
The snow and fog descended with thunderous rumbling, like ten thousand horses galloping. It moved unhurriedly from the heights, the snow mountain rising like a giant stepping into the human world with graceful strides. The people in the mountains fled in panic, appearing as insignificant as ants in its eyes. It casually waved its giant hand, countless lives perishing at its feet. It looked down, extending its massive palm to strike that beautiful young lord.
Lu Yun’s face turned deathly pale as he fell to the ground, nose and mouth touching snow. An unstoppable force struck his back as he was instantly swallowed by the thunderous snow.
Afterward, all was white.
…
In that instant, like lightning, they witnessed heaven’s might, impossible to defy.
One could dodge enemy troops’ slaughter, escape the court’s pressure, avoid assassins’ deadly blades… but who could have predicted an avalanche?
Heaven wanted him dead.
This was his death tribulation.
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